Patents by Inventor Axel Nix

Axel Nix has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20220215671
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of vehicular cameras disposed at a vehicle and viewing exterior of the vehicle, and a plurality of radar sensors disposed at the vehicle and sensing exterior of the vehicle. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. The central control module is operable to process (i) vehicle data, (ii) image data and (iii) radar data. The central control module at least in part controls at least one driver assistance system of the vehicle responsive to (i) processing at the central control module of vehicle data, (ii) processing at the central control module of image data captured by at least the forward-viewing vehicular camera and (iii) processing at the central control module of radar data captured by at least a front radar sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
  • Publication number: 20220194171
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a forward-viewing camera that views through a windshield forward of a vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing by an image processor of image data captured by the forward-viewing camera while the equipped vehicle is traveling along a road, another vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle is detected, and the vehicular vision system may determine lateral acceleration of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle. The vehicular vision system may generate an output based at least in part on the determined lateral acceleration of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle. Responsive to determination that the equipped vehicle is approaching a school zone, pedestrian detection via image processing of image data captured by the forward-viewing camera may be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: William J. Chundrlik, JR., Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20220124289
    Abstract: A vehicular scalable integrated control system includes a plurality of sensors and a vehicular scalable integrated control unit. The plurality of sensors includes a plurality of cameras and a plurality of radar sensors. Data captured by the sensors is provided as input to and is processed at the vehicular scalable integrated control unit. Responsive at least in part to processing at the vehicular scalable integrated control unit of data captured by the plurality of sensors, the vehicular scalable integrated control system at least partially controls at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) braking of the vehicle while being driven along a road and (ii) steering of the vehicle while being driven along the road. The plurality of cameras includes a front camera disposed at an in-cabin side of a windshield of the vehicle. The front camera views through the windshield forward of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Nikolaus Dellantoni, Bernhard Schinkowitsch, André Schoenekaes, Axel Nix, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11308718
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and a plurality of cameras including side-viewing cameras, a front camera and a rear camera. The cameras connect with the ECU via respective coaxial cables. Image data captured by the cameras is converted at a respective serializer to a respective image signal and is carried to the ECU via the respective coaxial cable. The image signals are de-serialized at the respective de-serializers of the ECU. The ECU generates an output provided to a video display device of the vehicle. The output may include a bird's eye view of an environment at least partially surrounding the vehicle. The ECU may connect with the video display device via a coaxial cable. Electrical power for the cameras may be carried from the ECU to the respective cameras via the respective coaxial cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Joern Ihlenburg, Nazar F. Bally, Duane W. Gebauer
  • Patent number: 11288888
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of image capture sensors, at least one radar sensor and at least one lidar sensor disposed at an equipped. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. During a driving maneuver of the vehicle, and responsive at least in part to fusion at the central control module of (i) captured image data, (ii) captured radar data and (iii) captured lidar data, a pedestrian or other vehicle may be detected or the speed of the equipped vehicle may be controlled. Responsive to the central control module determining that the detected pedestrian constitutes a potentially hazardous driving condition for the equipped vehicle, the central control module may control at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) braking of the equipped vehicle and (ii) steering of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
  • Publication number: 20220086398
    Abstract: A vehicular sensing system includes a data processor disposed at a vehicle, a camera disposed at an in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield, and a range sensor disposed at the vehicle and having a field of sensing that overlaps a portion of the field of view of the camera. During a driving maneuver of the vehicle, the system detects another vehicle that is located within the radar sensor's field of sensing and outside of the camera's field of view and determines movement of the range sensor-detected other vehicle relative to the vehicle. When the range sensor-detected other vehicle enters the field of view of the camera, the system, at least in part via processing at the data processor of image data captured by the camera, determines that the range sensor-detected other vehicle is an object of interest. A system output is provided for use by a driving assist system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Carl W. Shonk
  • Patent number: 11267313
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a front camera configured to be disposed at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle. The camera, when disposed at the vehicle windshield, views through the windshield forward of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing by an image processor of image data captured by the front camera when disposed at the vehicle windshield, and while the equipped vehicle is traveling along a road, another vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle is detected. Responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of captured image data, the vehicular vision system determines erratic driving of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle and generates an output responsive to the determination of the erratic driving of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 11254263
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a plurality of cameras mounted at the vehicle and having respective fields of view exterior of the vehicle. The cameras include a CMOS image sensor and a serial data interface configured for transmission of captured image data to an image processing system via a serial data bus linking the respective camera to the image processing system, which processes the transmitted captured image data. The vehicular vision system transmits data to the cameras via the respective serial data bus linking the respective camera to the image processing system. The vehicular vision system activates at least one camera of the plurality of cameras (i) responsive to a gear position of the vehicle, (ii) based on situational analysis information derived from the image processing system, or (iii) based on a driving condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Yuesheng Lu
  • Patent number: 11212490
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a plurality of cameras, a plurality of sensors and a central electronic control unit. Image data captured by at least one of the cameras and sensor data sensed by at least one of the sensors is provided to and processed at the central electronic control unit. Data relevant to a current geographical location of the vehicle is provided to and processed at the central electronic control unit. The central electronic control unit is operable to at least partially control the vehicle. The central electronic control unit may include a threat recognizer and a risk assessor. Responsive at least in part to threat recognition/evaluation by the threat recognizer and risk assessment by the risk assessor, the central electronic control unit may control at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) braking of the equipped vehicle and (ii) steering of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nikolaus Dellantoni, Bernhard Schinkowitsch, André Schoenekaes, Axel Nix, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11184585
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a control disposed at a vehicle. A camera is disposed at an in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield and views forward of the vehicle. During a driving maneuver of the vehicle, the vehicular vision system, responsive at least in part to an output of a radar sensor, detects an object that is located within the radar sensor's field of sensing and outside of the camera's field of view and determines movement of the object relative to the vehicle. During the driving maneuver of the vehicle, information pertaining to movement of the detected object toward an area within the field of view of the camera is provided to the control. During the driving maneuver, and responsive to the provided information, and with the detected object present within the camera's field of view, the vehicular vision system determines that the detected object is an object of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Carl W. Shonk
  • Patent number: 11168911
    Abstract: A fluid circulation monitoring system includes a distributed processing system having a first processor located on-premises near a space filled with a circulating fluid and a second processor located off-premises. The first processor and the second processor are in communication with one another. A sensor is operatively connected to the first processor and senses at least one parameter associated with a flow rate of fluid through the circulation system. The distributed processing system is configured to process the at least one parameter and derive a volumetric fluid flow rate through a fluid pump which propels the fluid through the circulation system. Pattern recognition is applied to the at least one parameter to detect maintenance events and predict the need for maintenance events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Sucxess LLC
    Inventor: Axel Nix
  • Patent number: 11153116
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for retrofitting a vehicle are presented. The method relates to a vehicle with a factory-installed first apparatus which communicates with a factory-installed second apparatus through a vehicle data bus using a first message. The method includes electrically disconnecting the vehicle data bus between the first apparatus and the second apparatus and electrically connecting a retrofit apparatus to the vehicle data bus. The method further includes transmitting a second message from the retrofit apparatus to the first apparatus which is indistinguishable from the first message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Sucxess LLC
    Inventor: Axel Nix
  • Publication number: 20210174100
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and a plurality of cameras including side-viewing cameras, a front camera and a rear camera. The cameras connect with the ECU via respective coaxial cables. Image data captured by the cameras is converted at a respective serializer to a respective image signal and is carried to the ECU via the respective coaxial cable. The image signals are de-serialized at the respective de-serializers of the ECU. The ECU generates an output provided to a video display device of the vehicle. The output may include a bird's eye view of an environment at least partially surrounding the vehicle. The ECU may connect with the video display device via a coaxial cable. Electrical power for the cameras may be carried from the ECU to the respective cameras via the respective coaxial cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Joern Ihlenburg, Nazar F. Bally, Duane W. Gebauer
  • Publication number: 20210160458
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a control disposed at a vehicle. A camera is disposed at an in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield and views forward of the vehicle. During a driving maneuver of the vehicle, the vehicular vision system, responsive at least in part to an output of a radar sensor, detects an object that is located within the radar sensor's field of sensing and outside of the camera's field of view and determines movement of the object relative to the vehicle. During the driving maneuver of the vehicle, information pertaining to movement of the detected object toward an area within the field of view of the camera is provided to the control. During the driving maneuver, and responsive to the provided information, and with the detected object present within the camera's field of view, the vehicular vision system determines that the detected object is an object of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Carl W. Shonk
  • Publication number: 20210081683
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of image capture sensors, at least one radar sensor and at least one lidar sensor disposed at an equipped. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. During a driving maneuver of the vehicle, and responsive at least in part to fusion at the central control module of (i) captured image data, (ii) captured radar data and (iii) captured lidar data, a pedestrian or other vehicle may be detected or the speed of the equipped vehicle may be controlled. Responsive to the central control module determining that the detected pedestrian constitutes a potentially hazardous driving condition for the equipped vehicle, the central control module may control at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) braking of the equipped vehicle and (ii) steering of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
  • Patent number: 10922563
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and a plurality of cameras including side-viewing cameras and a front or forward-viewing camera and/or a rearward-viewing camera. The cameras connect with the ECU via respective coaxial cables. Image data captured by the cameras is converted at a respective LVDS serializer to a respective image signal and is carried to the ECU via the respective coaxial cable by LVDS. The image signals are de-serialized at the respective LVDS de-serializer of the ECU. The image processor of the ECU may process a de-serialized image signal to detect a vehicle present in the field of view of the front camera, whereby, responsive to determination that the equipped vehicle and the detected vehicle may collide, the system may, at least in part, control a braking system of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Joern Ihlenburg, Nazar F. Bally, Duane W. Gebauer
  • Patent number: 10911721
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system for a vehicle includes a camera and an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. During a maneuver of the vehicle, the vehicular vision system, responsive at least in part to an output of a radar sensor, detects an object that is located within the radar sensor's field of sensing and outside of the camera's field of view and determines movement of the object relative to the vehicle. During the maneuver of the equipped vehicle, information pertaining to movement of the detected object toward an area within the field of view of said camera is provided to said vehicular vision system. During the maneuver of the equipped vehicle, and responsive to the provided information and with the detected object present within the camera's field of view, the vehicular vision system determines that the detected object is an object of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Carl W. Shonk
  • Publication number: 20210029288
    Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes a tail lamp assembly that illuminates a field of illumination rearward of the vehicle. A light source control may operate at least one light source of the tail lamp assembly in a repeating cycle that includes (i) a first illumination period wherein light emitted by the tail lamp assembly has a first brightness level and (ii) a second illumination period wherein light emitted by the tail lamp assembly has a second brightness level that is lower than the first brightness level. A camera is operable to capture image data representative of a region that is at least in part within the field of illumination. A camera control may operate the camera to capture image data during at least part of the first illumination period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Clarence P. McElroy, Yuesheng Lu, Axel Nix
  • Publication number: 20210008961
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a front camera configured to be disposed at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle. The camera, when disposed at the vehicle windshield, views through the windshield forward of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing by an image processor of image data captured by the front camera when disposed at the vehicle windshield, and while the equipped vehicle is traveling along a road, another vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle is detected. Responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of captured image data, the vehicular vision system determines erratic driving of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle and generates an output responsive to the determination of the erratic driving of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20200388171
    Abstract: An unconventional application of ADS-B data emitted from an aircraft includes a system for recording video images of landing aircraft. The system uses a camera with motorized pan and tilt. The pan and tilt are controlled by a control logic based on ADS-B position data received from a landing aircraft. Another unconventional use of ADS-B data relates to optimized scheduling of an ADS-B equipped aircraft with automated schedule updates and user interactions based on ADS-B data received from the scheduled aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventor: Axel Nix